The bride and me
My friend Amber and I strike a pose
Sara and Doug cutting the cake
My husband and I pose for a snapshot
Most of you know by now that my husband is a pizza fanatic and an embarrassing amount of meals are spent eating this food. So when our Chicagoan President announced that his favorite deep dish pizza wasn't actually from Chicago but from St. Louis, my husband knew immediately that he had to investigate for himself. So today, coming home from our trip to Missouri, we stopped in St. Louis to try it for ourselves. I'm not a huge fan of deep dish and prefer thin crust but I'll have to say that I found the toppings and taste of the crust to be a refreshing variation. I think it's safe to say, we'll be back again. One of the things Joe and I have found very interesting about where we live are all the local businesses, much of which are very unique. For instance, there are only a hand full of typewriter repair shops left in the entire country and one of them is in Chicago. We have actually seen multiple acordian repair shops and I recently read a story about the hatmaker who made the hats for the new "Public Enemies" movie. This store is just a few miles from where we live and one of the last traditional hat stores in the world.
There are so many unique talents out there and, at the same time, so many lost/dying arts. When I was growing up, it seemed like there were lots of moms making clothes for their kids (my mom included) but that isn't so common anymore. I know just a few people my age who can actually sew. And, yes, often times it seems much easier and less expensive to just buy something rather than make it. But I often wish I had some sort of creative talent. Something to hold onto. A creative skill. A trade. I think I've mentioned it before but Joe's Aunt Judy is an expert quiltmaker and his Uncle Jim does amazing woodwork and is also a glassmaker. Wow. I admire the talent and the art. And usually when I see Cristin's work, whatever it may be, I'm just blown away by the process, the detail and the ability. It's really something to admire.
No, I don't think I'll join the world of hatmaking or become a repair woman anytime soon but, at the same time, there is something very appealing about making or fixing something with your own two hands. Maybe this is why I have enjoyed cooking so much. I like creating something and seeing the end result. And, yes, I guess I have felt that way about marketing, too, when I can stand back and see what I've helped to create or shape. Anyway, just wanted to share. Feeling almost like I need to explore a new hobby! Until then, I will keep reading Martha Stewart and keep dreaming.
I got to have lunch with Jan today! Jan is a former Columbian who now lives in Nashville and was in town on business just for the day. It's fun to live in such a "hot spot"!
I hardly call this a menu plan for the week but we're going to be out of town this week so there's not much cooking to do.
Monday: blackened salmon, corn on the cob and salad
Tuesday: linguine with fresh tomato sauce, salad and bread
Wednesday/Thursday: Joe at class
Friday-Sunday: Out of town
Joe and I signed a lease today on a townhouse about two miles from his job. We move in around August 1. I really like the area so I'm excited about the move. We will officially be suburbanites! We also went to the nearby dogpark to check things out for Crumley and Iris. I think they are going to love it. Now, we just have lots of packing to start on and about a million other things!
After last week's cake, I decided maybe I should try my hand at something a little healthier so yesterday I made granola bars. The recipe comes from the Barefoot Contessa's latest book. They were a little hard for me to cut into bars without falling apart (maybe I should have let them set longer) but they are very good!
2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8x12 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
Toss the oatmeal, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.
Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.
Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots and cranberries and stir well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers (or spoon!) and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.
I'm back! Joe has class on Wednesday and Thursday nights so we don't really have a planned meal on those nights as he basically goes straight from work to class. Here's what we're having the rest of the week.
Monday: Vegetable Moussaka
Tuesday: Nichole's Indian Butter Chicken and rice
Wednesday & Thursday: Joe's at class
Friday: Cheese Ravioli and sauce
Saturday/Sunday: Crockpot chicken with potatoes, peas and cream sauce
Warning: This post may not be for sensitive stomaches.
I'm a fairly new dog-mom and I have a sick "child." We noticed Crumley was having some bathroom issues a couple days ago and then we woke up at 4 am to a lot of vomitting and a little blood. I sat with him at the vet's office this morning for over an hour and a half waiting on test results. His vitals seemed okay. We did a stool sample and that was okay, too, despite more blood. Then we did x-rays. Nothing. So finally a whole lotta blood work. That all seemed normal, too. So Crumley got a shot and now we're home with a special prescription dog food and three different kinds of meds. He's not to eat or drink anything at all today so I can't disquise the pills in food. I have crammed my little hand down his throat so many times and every time I think the pill has surely made it's way all the way down, he spits it out. I'm not sure what to do. Crumley is exhausted. I'm exhausted. And I hope our little big guy is okay.
Our friends Marla and Tony were in town this weekend from Columbia for the World Cup qualifiers. (Tony is the one who introduced Joe and me.) Fortunately we were able to all get together tonight for dinner. I had such a great time seeing them! 
I've barely seen my husband this week. His new job, combined with a commute, and classes two nights a week has keep him very busy. But last night we planned a date - we saw Mary Poppins! It was a fun show. Mostly, I was impressed by the amazing sets, beautiful costumes and the stunts. Today we get back to the busy routine. Joe has a lot of homework and I have a very messy closet to clean out. Yuck.
My friend Laura recently made this cake. It looked so good so I decided that it would be my very first DH project (DH = Deseperate Housewife). It's far from perfect. The top layer was a little too crumbly and I ran out of frosting as I was icing the sides but it still looks okay and if it tastes okay - even better! Here's the recipe.
Well, I finally made it! Today was my last day at work...I mostly just feel relieved but it was still a little weird to leave for the last time knowing I wouldn't be back. All the signs have been there that I have made the right decision. (Call me crazy but I think what I will miss the most are the girls at the train station Starbucks who always knew what I wanted before I even ordered.) Next up, house/apartment/condo hunting in the western suburbs. And until the right fit comes along, I will have cooking to do, desserts to master, games of Scrabble to play and eventually a house to pack.
My husband started HIS new job today but he brought ME home a box of Godiva chocolates. *swoon*
Monica and I enjoying the scenery at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building.
My grandma loves the Cardinals so it was quite an exciting day for her last weekend when my Uncle Jeff, Aunt Cindy and Cousin Caleb took her to St. Louis to watch a game. She has now been to all three St. Louis baseball stadiums throughout history. Here are some pictures from her weekend.
My 88 year-old grandma at the Cardinals game 
Grandma and Caleb
U-505 Submarine - the only German U-boat in the United States.
Joe standing in front of the Pioneer Zephyr.
The baby chick hatchery was one of my favorite stops.I've become a real blog-slacker lately. The most significant news here is that I gave my notice at my job this past week. For obvious reasons, I try to make a habit of not talking too specifically about work on my blog but I'll make the exception here.
I have a history of loving my work and loving the people I work with who always end up like a second family to me. After about the first week or two I knew this job was wrong for me. I was surrounded by a sea of cubicles but rarely would anyone speak to me. I have been feeling a real disconnect with the people but even more of a disconnect with the work. It just wasn't exactly what I thought it would be or should be. I shared some of my concerns at my three-month evaluation only things didn't seem to change. I also recently found out that I had been mis-paid and after bringing that concern to my boss, he didn't try to make it right. Then this week I read an email that I wasn't supposed to read...you know the drill. You get copied on an email and you go back to read the chain and find a disparaging remark about yourself. Not cool. It was the final straw for me in an already unhappy situation. So I made the decision to leave.
I was asked to apply for another position with the company on the same floor. I've been mulling it over for the past few days but I honestly think that the situation would be a little too awkward for me and I also am not convinced that I'll be that much happier with the work. I think I'm going to pass.
So here I am, at the same place I was a few months ago. I am trying to figure out what's the next step for me. I've been thinking about graduate school or just searching for another full-time position that seems like a better fit (although those positions are scarce in this economy) or both. I feel like I know exactly what I want to do, if I can just do it.
So, yeah, lots of changes once again. But I'm ready to just hang out for a few days, enjoy the long weekend and leave all of that behind for awhile.
Cathy, Bryon and Adyson came to visit this weekend. We had hopes of going to the zoo but the rainy weather botched our plans so we spent Friday indoors at Shedd Aquarium and went out for Chicago-style pizza. Saturday we went to Navy Pier and Ed Debevic's. It's been a fun weekend. Now I'm staring down what looks like a couple weeks worth of laundry! Yikes.
My husband made his blog "private" recently. So if you have been reading Joe's blog and haven't been added as an invited reader just let me know and he'll get you added. I will also note this means if you use an RSS feed I don't think it will show up; you will have to check in the old fashioned way.
As I predicted, it's been a busy but very fun weekend. We've enjoyed having Joe's mom and brother here visiting. Tom just left for the airport and Jo Ann leaves in the morning. Yesterday we walked ALL OVER downtown, we went to the top of the Sears Tower, went to Millennium Park (the picture is with Joe and his mom at the park), Billy Goat Tavern and finally to a delicious dinner at Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill. So good that I can't wait to go back! And today we had a nice brunch. It's been fun playing tourist and tour guide.
Joe and I will have a busy weekend ahead of us. His mom and brother come in town today for a visit. His mom was supposed to be here by now but her flight has been delayed all over the place and now she'll get in very late. This means she'll miss the Second City show we're seeing and dinner. (This happened the last time she visited, too.) I have lasagna, bread and salad all ready to go...and a cheesecake to nibble on this weekend. I feel like we have a LOT of plans that revolve around food but what's new. Also, I can't believe I've failed to mention it but my husband has a great new job. He starts on June 1. Just got the word on Monday. We'll still be here but we may eventually look for a place to live out in the suburbs to be closer to his work...have I mentioned how much I hate moving?? Yup, pretty sure I have. But I always need an excuse to clean out closets and purge.
Update: Joe's mom is now supposed to get in a little earlier than I thought and may be able to make part of the show!
Ellen, Jenny and me.
Jenny and I hugging at her 21st birthday celebration. 
Thursday night Joe and I went to dinner with Terrie and Kirk. (Terrie is my mom's first cousin.) We were celebrating their anniversary. 26 years ago, I was their flower girl! Fantastic dinner (also happened to be at the location of the Obama's Valentine's Day dinner this year) and great company. Happy Anniversary!
A suspected case of swine flu has closed a Chicago school. It's enough to make me not want to leave the house until this is over.
This article in the newspaper yesterday made me smile. The world might be a happier place with more Mr. T appearances. Can't someone give him a reality show?
I mentioned after my cousin Lea passed away that I had been looking at old photo albums and would eventually like to post some pictures of us as kids. Here are just a couple. Makes me want to archive all the old pictures and put them on cds. Unfortunately, the pictures didn't easily come out of the albums.
This is a family favorite. We were all dressed in red and yellow (or off-white) but don't you love how those 70s pictures are all discolored now so the entire thing just looks red? (Clockwise: Cathy, Sue, Amy, Shawn and Lea)
Adyson at the wedding reception. She liked putting the napkin over her face and being the source of our amusement.
Adyson and my mom this morning. Her dress is a recent purchase from Aunt Amy and Uncle Joe.
I took this photo of the tree in our backyard a few days ago. Around that time I also mentioned to Joe that I wanted to plant some flowers in front of our house where just old mulch and dirt exists. He told me if I was just patient that some plants would pop up soon. I didn't believe him. But low and behold, we were leaving the house tonight and I saw green plants coming up from the ground. It's Spring!! Flowers are in bloom! I thought it would never happen. The weather is beautiful today. Beautiful!
I got to review my spine x-rays today and they showed a lot of neck damage. The doctor said it could only be caused by a traumatic accident. It HAD to have been caused by falling down my friend, Micah's stairs when she lived at an apartment several years ago. (The carpeting on the stairs wasn't tacked down and as I was leaving I fell and landed head first after tumbling down about 20 stairs.) If the damage is not taken care of it just gets worse...this is where herniated and bulging discs come in. The neck damage could also attribute to digestive problems (ahem). So we're working to correct the problem which is going to mean adjustments, therapy and massages for 3 times a week for the next 10-12 weeks. He said my damage is such that it could actually take longer. After 24 therapy sessions, more x-rays to see where we're at.
After visiting the chiropractor, it sounds like the curvature of my spine is pretty bad. And I had some xrays taken to make sure there's nothing more severe going on but don't have those results yet. (I knew it wasn't good when I got asked more than once if I'd been in an automobile accident or had any known spinal injuries.) Likely this will mean lots of chiropractic care in the future and I was told I'm supposed to be doing a lot more yoga and pilates. So Joe and I picked up a Wii Fit. We were going to get one anyway and this was a good excuse to do it sooner than later. So far, I'm really impressed. And I was definitely breaking a sweat following the routines. The interactive part just makes it much more fun than doing a standard exercise DVD and I like how it tracks your progress, although I didn't like seeing my weight or BMI on the screen - yikes! I hope this is the motivation I need to be more diligent about getting in shape and taking better care of my back!
Joe and I had a great time tonight with our friends, Sean and Lori from Columbia. We went to Gino's East for pizza and then on to Millennium Park and to Buckingham Fountain. And the weather was perfect today! Finally I broke out my flipflops!
Joe and I went out to a local place for pizza last night. He had been there before, I had not. We ordered a pepperoni pizza with garlic on half. He likes garlic on his pizza, I do not. This has never been a problem for us before. I eat my half, he eats his half. The waitress comes back to the table with our pizza and it all looks the same so Joe asks which side the garlic is on. She literally puts it all the way up to her nose to smell in order to determine which side (I'm telling you - her nose was in our pizza) and then she makes a judgment based on smell. And when doing so, fingers our pizza to point it out. It was the craziest experience ever. Then it turns out that there was garlic all over the pizza but they only used half as much. There was no rhyme or reason but it seemed to be on almost every other piece but not every piece. Since when does asking for half a pizza with a certain topping mean half as much? That's it. Just venting. File under random.
I went to happy hour tonight with some people from work. I mention this only because I have worked at my job for about three months and there are only about two people who ever talk to me. (One of those people invited me tonight.) It's been an adjustment from what I'm used to. I almost didn't go because I knew I wouldn't know anyone but I'm glad I went. Made me miss all the happy hours with my girlfriends and work friends from back home. But I met some cool people and realized it was a big step for "the new girl."
I took the plunge. I am now the proud new owner of a smartphone! (A Blackberry to be exact.) I have wanted one for awhile and then the boredom of train commuting made me want one even more. Then my phone started literally falling apart. Then I got a coupon in the mail for a really good deal and the rest was history. I'm not going to lie, I still don't know all the ins and outs. And before I was able to text at lightening speed but this new keyboard makes me seriously slow. Otherwise, I think I'm going to love it. Oh, yeah, I guess I could have just wrote this post from my phone, right?
I've been suffering from back pain and muscle spasms for at least a couple weeks now. I am awakened usually at least once a night from back spasms and aches and pains and sometimes it just hurts to breathe. So I make an appointment...only I can't get in for awhile. So I wait. Patiently. Today was my appointment - finally. It is quite an ordeal compared to what I'm used to because I have to catch an earlier train, leave work, etc. I rush to my appointment, get to the door and it's locked. Finally someone comes to the door and just tells me nonchalantly, "We're closed." Um, no you're not. I have an appointment. "Oh, yeah, our doctor had an emergency and had to cancel." They claimed to not have my number but since I was a new patient I just gave them my number when I called last week along with every other piece of new patient information possible. I was beyond angry. Not only did these clowns waste my time but now I have to suffer the pain a while longer and take off work again. Argh. It's seriously just been one of those days. And, of course, they didn't understand why I just couldn't come back tomorrow. So now I wait some more...
On another note, I'm thinking about freezer meals. Maybe making something extra on the weekend to stick in the freezer and pull out at a moment's notice during the week. Does anyone do this and what do you recommend?
Mom is having laser eye surgery (SLP for glaucoma) tomorrow...they do one eye tomorrow and then the other eye a week from tomorrow. I don't know much about the procedure but I do know she can drive afterwards which sounds impressive. I'm sure she's ready to stop having surgeries and procedures but I'm glad she's keeping on top of her health.
Today I'm wishing my Great Aunt Grace a happy 105th birthday. Aunt Grace went into the nursing home shortly after her birthday last year and now she may or may not know us at times but she is still a much treasured and much loved family member. Happy birthday, Aunt Grace!
I'm a big fan of curry so tonight I tried a recipe from this week's food section in the newspaper. Turned out well so I thought I'd share.
Chicken and Sugar Snap Pea Curry
SAUCE
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup onion, diced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
CHICKEN
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 cups fresh sugar snap peas
For sauce: In medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm canola oil. Add onion, curry powder, chili powder, jalapeno pepper and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent (about 4 minutes). Add drained tomatoes, coconut milk, salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium high and bring mixture to a boil; lower heat to simmer and cook until sauce has thickened (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
For chicken: Add canola oil to a wok or stir-fry pan and place over high heat. When oil is hot, add chicken slices and coriander, stirring constantly. Cook chicken until almost done (about 5 to 7 minutes) and add sugar snap peas. Continue to cook, stirring, 3 minutes.
Combine chicken and curry sauce mixture; simmer 3 to 5 minutes to blend flavors. Serve over rice.
Joe and I went to the Art Institute this afternoon to see the Edvard Munch exhibit. I think I had just expected to see lots of oil paintings and was surprised by how many lithographs and woodcuts he did. My friend Laura just went a couple days ago and said it was different than she expected. I think it was different than I expected, too, but I'm not really sure what I mean by that. Some of the work seemed very "Scream-like" and some seemed so vastly different. There were also lots of redheads featured in his work...maybe I'm the only one who noticed that? Anyway, like Laura, it wasn't my favorite exhibit but it was a good way to spend a cold, wet Sunday afternoon.
Joe and I have been debating something very serious since before we got married - XBox 360 or Nintendo Wii? He wanted the 360 and I said if we got a Wii I'd use it, too. This discussion has just been ongoing. But last night we decided to go for the Wii. We got it hooked up pretty late so have been playing this morning. The dogs think we are crazy.
Also I am so excited that The Tigers are in the Elite 8. Up until now, I haven't seen any of their games on tv (just online) because they never show MU games here. Our local station keeps electing to play a different game at the same time...that's something I just always took for granted before. But today, I finally get to see the game on tv. I don't even care that my bracket is a mess. Go Tigers!!
Just got home from the ball...only had two pictures taken with my camera but had some taken from a professional photographer that we will get next week. Nice evening. Good to get my stilettos out of the house. I'm sure they appreciated the outing.
Today I tried Starbucks Via, their new instant coffee. I had a free sample packet since we're one of the their test cities. Let me just say, I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. But definitely not brewed coffee...although I suspect if you're in the market for instant coffee, it's probably one of the better choices. Just not for me.
I never thought cheese would make me want to vomit. Tonight I went out with Alison to celebrate her birthday. We got a cheese flight and all I can say is that I didn't care for most of what was entitled, "6 Cheeses You Can't Live Without." Hmm...but one in particular was so rancid we had to cover it with a dish and eventually ask for it to be removed. So my love for cheese does, indeed, know bounds...seems I learn something new about myself all the time. Other than that, it was a lovely evening. Happy Birthday, Alison!
It was about 70 degrees here late this afternoon...I know, I know, upper 70s in Missouri. (I'm sticking my tongue out at you - you know who you are.) I am so ready for spring and so are Crumley and Iris; we had a big walk tonight! But this morning, on my way to work, it was only about 50 degrees and I saw convertibles with the tops down and multiple gals wearing skirts with flip flops. Yup, the Chicagoans are jonesing for some Springtime weather. I really can't blame them. If I get a pedicure soon enough, I'll probably be wearing my flip flops, too. Until then, not wearing a winter coat is treat enough for me.
P.S. Just saw Obama's final four picks for the NCAA...and we picked exactly the same. Not that it's really outrageous or anything...3 out of my 4 picks are #1 seeds just like him. Hope I have a chance this year considering I have hardly kept up with basketball this season.
I had high hopes of getting downtown yesterday to watch the river turn green. But I was far too exhausted yesterday morning...in fact, most of my weekend has been spent sleeping in late and napping. But in the St. Pat's spirit, Joe and I went to the Southside Irish Parade this afternoon which is pretty close to home. I had expected bag pipes and some Irish Dancing (I mean, Michael Flatley grew up just blocks from where we live.) but I had NO IDEA exactly how many bag pipers and dancers I would see. I truly lost count of all the troupes. It was unbelievable. And I was in the majority today...redheads were EVERWHERE. Today was a prime people-watching experience. I loved it! Oh, and Joe asked me if I felt like I was in the movie The Departed. Um, yes. Yes, I did. (And I saw Mr. Food which made my day! Although I don't think anyone else was as excited as me.)
I'm home! Got home around 9:30 tonight and am exhausted. I think I worked 12 to 14-hour days every day this week and there was definitely a day in there where I went to bed and realized I'd never even been outside or left the hotel (which, I might add, used to house the Emmy's). Last night was my one and only adventure. Taina's mom picked me up and we hit the town; Nita was great! She took me to Hollywood Blvd (to see the sights and look at the Walk of Fame), Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, etc. Yay!!
Next to this street sign but not in the picture is Taina's favorite coffee shop. I had to stop in and have her favorite drink! It was cool to just walk around Hollywood and take in all the people!
Outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre. I got to see all the handprints and footprints of stars in cement.
Me at the entrance to Grauman's. 
Kodak Theatre - home of the Oscars!! I have seen this building on tv MANY times during all the red carpets I've watched.
Me and Nita (Taina's mom). If the Hollywood sign was lit up at night, you would be able to see it directly behind us.
Looks just like Oak Street (with palm trees) but I still had to see the original high-end fashion mecca for myself. And it's the home to one of my all-time-favorite shopping scenes from any movie - Pretty Woman!
Not that I had time to go inside (I wish I did!) but this was a really cool statue outside the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Tomorrow morning I'm leaving for LA (that's Los Angeles, not Louisiana). But don't expect to see me on an episode of The Hills anytime soon. I will likely be working from sun up to sun down every day and then crashing. As Monica put it, "it's kind of cruel to send Amy to LA, only for her to work the entire time." But I will deal. I am getting excited about some gorgeous weather for five days. I'll be back late on Friday night. I think I already miss Joe and Crumley (okay, and Iris, too). And I haven't even thought about packing...
My mom got the a-okay from the doctor today so she is back at work! But still awhile before she can be around Adyson. In a few weeks, when her thyroid is depleted, she'll go back and get her medicine.
Everyone knows my favorite thing to do on Mondays is to watch The Bachelor. But tonight was so stressful. I seriously feel stressed out now...I made the mistake of reading a spoiler online last night. And then I re-read it again in today's newspaper. I was pretty sure it was right on - and it was.
Yes, Jason proposed to Melissa and then changed his mind and then asked the girl he rejected, six weeks later, if they could try again. I am flabbergasted. It's not that I think Molly is a bad choice or a bad fit for Jason, I just can't believe he chose to end things with Melissa on national television or propose to her in the first place. If he was so conflicted (as he kept claiming) then why even propose? My husband was rooting for Melissa all along (as was I) so he refused to watch ATFR after he knew what was going to happen. And really, it was like watching a train wreck. I know, I know, every season I say I can't watch again and then I do. But I thought Jason was different.
Last season he was my absolute favorite and I was crushed when he didn't get picked. I was so thrilled for him to be "the bachelor" this season and have loved him...until now. I just have zero respect.
So I'm dying to know what my bachelor-watching friends think...did you watch? What do you think? (Rachel, Taina and I were definitely texting last night!)
I've noticed that I blog less and less lately. Maybe it's because I don't have as much extra time anymore or maybe it's because I have nothing much to say. Probably a combination of both.
My mom went back to the doctor today, two weeks after her radioactive treatment and she still can't go back to work. So she will be off for another week and will go back to the doctor again next week to get the verdict. I'm sure at this point she's getting restless. She's used of talking to people every day and getting out and about. Some ladies from her church surprised her by painting her beauty salon yesterday and today. It's something she's been wanting to do but has never been able to get around to it. I am so grateful that my parents have so many people who care about them and are looking out for them.
On my agenda for the weekend is formal dress shopping. Yes, apparently I need a ball gown. Joe has a ball every year that he has to attend for work so I will be going this year. I think I hate formal dress shopping even more than swimsuit shopping...if that's possible. The dresses never seem to fit right. I didn't even like trying on wedding dresses and finally just selected my dress from online before ever trying it on. I am tempted to do that with this ocassion, too, so we'll see how it goes after I try on a few this weekend. I thought I'd at least get an idea of the style. But the event is just a few weeks away so I'd better get with it. (Nichole, you're good at dress shopping...you may need to be my stylist.) Of course, wearing the gown, getting all dressed up and having a night on the town is usually fun...it's just the getting there that I don't like. Figuring out which dress, what shoes, how to wear your hair, what jewelry...I just feel unmotivated to figure it out. I have also realized that the older I get, the less and less makeup I wear. Most days I barely wear any at all...when did I decide to not like shopping and not like makeup? Maybe it has something to do with shopping for pants that never seem to fit...
I am missing the documentary film festival in CoMo this weekend so I'm trying to push it out of my mind. Hmm...that means exactly one year ago, I got engaged.
I'm not a fan of Chicago-style pizza, so I don't have as many pizza options around here as you might think. But today we went to a great pizza place that I've been wanting to go to for awhile...since about the time I first moved here. And we'll be back!
We also saw Coraline in 3-D today. I can't remember the last time I saw a 3-D movie...or if I even ever have. It was fun. Good movie. I wasn't looking as forward to it as Joe but really liked it.
So that was our playtime for the day. Now the dogs are getting baths and we're cleaning and doing laundry. Grown-up life continues.
I went to hear a speaker tonight talk about the benefits of eating meat from grass-fed, grass-finished animals, particularly cattle. I joined my husband on a whim and it was actually very interesting. The downside is that after the talk, I don't want to eat meat at all...maybe that isn't a downside. Anyway, if you get a chance look up some information about his company.
My mom went back to the doctor today for a scan. Her radioactive idoine has successfully attached to the thyroid left in her body (there was some thyroid left as it wasn't all removed as originally thought) and she will have to do another round of treatment in 9 months. She is still in isolation.
Also my mom found out today that her regular cancer doctor has cancer. She has been my mom's doctor for more than 11 years and my mom follows up with her on a regular basis. It's so sad that she now is going through what she's helped so many other people overcome. This woman is amazingly kind. When I got married, she saw my announcement in Columbia, recognized my last name, cut out the announcement and mailed it to my mom.
Joe is still suffering a bad foot from an injury that happened almost a year ago. He had more x-rays this week and it's wrapped and in a boot for at least a week. Hopefully it finally heals.
That's all the news for this week...just in case I don't blog again, don't forget to watch the Oscars on Sunday!
Just about a month after starting my new job, I already get a day off tomorrow for President's Day. I've never had President's Day off before but I fully welcome the time off. Already, I feel like I've truly deserved it! I have big plans to sleep in, go grocery shopping and I might just go to a movie by myself...maybe a chick flick that I might not get around to right now otherwise. Joe will be working.
Also, I have so many magazines that have been sitting around with recipes inside. I finally bought a cute binder and am putting the recipes that I want to try or have tried and liked inside of it. Finally I will recycle my magazines and get rid of some clutter in the process. This is a project that I've been putting off for months but finally started on it today. This will also make life much easier when I'm searching for a recipe from a magazine...no more sifting through 4 or 5 magazines trying to remember which one it's in.
The other big news (and most important) is that my good friend, Dorian got engaged yesterday! I'm so excited for her. She and her fiance make such a great couple. You can check out her engagement story here.
Last night I hailed a cab after work and met Joe at Navy Pier where we saw Macbeth at the Shakespeare Theater. That's right. I saw Macbeth on Friday the 13th. I was a tad bit concerned but not concerned enough to not go. Joe has been foaming at the mouth to see this particular production, which they set in present-day Chicago. So when I found "buy one, get one" tickets, I knew we should snatch them up. The theater itself is beautiful and I really enjoyed the show. I liked the modern spin.
Tomorrow my mom starts her radioactive iodine treatment for her thyroid cancer. She won't be able to work for a couple weeks, can't be around anyone under the age of 18 for three weeks (which obviously includes my niece), has to sleep in a separate room from my dad for awhile, can't prepare food, needs to be six feet away from dad while in the same room, etc. So, as you can imagine, it's not ideal. But it could be a lot worse. Mom will have to do another round of the radioactive iodine treatment in another six months to a year. Just keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I'm sure she'll be doing a lot of reading but I know she'll get bored.
It was actually warm enough for me to wear a skirt today. This was quite a momentous ocassion and it is supposed to be even warmer tomorrow. I didn't think Chicago weather would bother me much since I was used to cold, Missouri weather. What I didn't take into consideration is that while there are some bitterly cold Missouri days they don't last the whole season like it seems Chicago's bitterly cold days do. It's just one snow fall after another...
I sign up for almost every news alert under the sun at work because I put together a weekly e-newsletter and am always on the lookout for relevent news headlines. So today I received this headline in my inbox, "Jobs Report: It's Worse Than It Looks." The article goes on to say that the economy almost certainly lost more jobs in January than the 597,000 reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics due to the way they imput their data. Anyway, I find this mind-boggling and stressful. My church just started a Career Networking Group open to the public led by professional career counselors and human resources folks in an attempt to help with resumes, networking, etc. I love this idea. It's one example of a way that a church can be relevant and do something to serve the needs of the community. And in church yesterday we were asked, by show of hands, how many people have either recently lost their jobs or knew someone that had lost their jobs. The show of hands was truly frightening. (Side note: one hospital here is laying off several hundred and another hospital here is laying off at least 450 and eliminating several hundred more jobs through attrition.)
On my way to church yesterday my car died at every stoplight. And there are a LOT of stoplights between my house and church. Finally, I figured out that if I put my car in neutral I could prevent it from dying. On the way home, without using neutral, my car didn't die one single time. Now, I'm not a mechanic but I don't think this is normal. So my husband will be taking me to the train and picking me up each day until we get this fixed. I don't have the energy to think about it right now...in a few days - maybe.
channeling trying to channel my creative side.
I then met Joe so we could get our taxes done. The fact that we got married this year and were filing jointly was easy. But the fact that I had no IL income and Joe did and I had MO income and Joe didn't was throwing off the computer...or our tax guy. Which makes me cringe a bit because I want to get it right - obviously. But we finally left our paperwork and will go back in a few days after our tax preparer can figure out why the computer wasn't letting him do what he wanted to do...we'll see.
We've also been seeing movies in preparation for my favorite day fo the year - the Oscars! Last night we finally saw Benjamin Button. Joe was pleasantly surprised as he wasn't necessarily looking forward to it. (The makeup and special effects still have me amazed!) Last weekend we saw Milk - really good - and The Wrestler. (Good story/acting but a bit too violent for me.) So now I think we just have two more to see and we're done. I think we can handle that.
Posts
All Comments
Cathy and Adyson at 
